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The differences between process plant operators and plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a process plant operator, becoming a plant operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a plant operator has an average salary of $42,697, which is higher than the $41,902 average annual salary of a process plant operator.
The top three skills for a process plant operator include plant operations, plant process and minor maintenance. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.
| Process Plant Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $41,902 | $42,697 |
| Hourly rate | $20.15 | $20.53 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 61,085 | 43,388 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
Process plant operator positions require skills in forklifts, crushers, and forklift operation, as well as management, trucking, and a plethora of other skills. They must first pass a medical and NRC licensing exam, as well as a plant-operating exam each year, in addition to license renewal applications every six years. They will be called upon to oversee and manage the production process of a manufacturing plant, as well as monitor equipment to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in said plant.
A plant operator's primary role is to supervise and oversee operations in an industrial setting. They are responsible for controlling machinery and equipment, coordinating with fellow officers, monitoring the quality of progress among a particular unit or department, and maintaining daily operations records. A plant operator may also respond to inquiries and issues, perform basic troubleshooting, and provide corrective measures. Furthermore, a plant operator must conduct regular inspection and maintenance to ensure a safe work environment for everyone, all while implementing the plant's safety policies and regulations.
Process plant operators and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Plant Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $41,902 | $42,697 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $62,000 | Between $32,000 And $56,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Idaho |
| Best paying company | - | NW Natural |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a process plant operator and a plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Process Plant Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between process plant operators' and plant operators' demographics:
| Process Plant Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |